He turns the ignition and twists the tree shaped card hanging from the rear-view mirror. “It’s this new car smell air freshener.”
“It really smells like a new car.”
Cal backs off the drive and turns onto the road. “How do you like your car?”
I squish my eyebrows together and turn sideways to watch him drive. “My car?”
He gives me a sideways glance. “I bought this for you. Figured you need a car for when you go back to work, and I wanted to get you a decent one instead of that poxy piece of crap you used to drive.”
My mouth drops open. “You bought this car for me?”
“Technically, I’m still paying for it, but yeah. You can take it for a spin when you’re up to it.”
“I’ve never driven a big car like this before.” I’m not sure why he felt I needed such a large vehicle, but my heart expands along with my chest that he would do that for me.
“I got a seven seater hoping when my girls are over, we can use it for all of us and make some memories.” He glances at me again, flashing me a smile. His hand moves from the gear stick to my hand, and he interlaces my fingers with his, sending a wave of warmth through my body.
The car comes to a halt in the car park of one of the most prestigious hotels in the area. An old country manor turned into a luxurious hotel and spa. He smiles as he pulls the handbrake and turns off the ignition.
“Cal, I’ve never eaten here. It must be expensive.”
“It’s not London prices, but it is a little steep.” He gets out of the car and runs around to my side to open the door.
“Can we afford it?” I whisper as my heels click on the concrete, getting out of the high seat.
“Don’t worry about the cost. I’m taking my woman out. I think it’s about time I treated you to a proper date after all this time, don’t you?”
He closes the door and takes my hand as we walk into the hotel and through double doors into the swanky restaurant. “Mr Richards,” he says to the young girl at the doors.
She checks her book and crosses our name off. “This way, sir, ma’am.”
I follow Cal through the dazzling restaurant, lit by huge glistening chandeliers that send a rainbow of colours dancing across the white tablecloths. We meander past a large table full of men in suits and women dolled up to the nines. No wonder he told me to put my red dress on, although I do feel out of place.
Justin never brought me to places like this.Justin rarely took you anywhere.True. Gentle music plays in the background, and we arrive at a small table in the corner of the room.
She hands us two menus. “Can I get you some drinks?”
“Pint of Stella, please.” Cal takes off his jacket and drapes it on the back of the chair. “Do you want a bottle of red, Steph?”
“Just a sparkling water for me, please.”
Cal flinches his head back. “What’s up with you?”
I shuffle uncomfortably in my seat while the server looks between the two of us. “I just want to keep a clear head tonight, that’s all.”
He quirks a grin and turns to the young girl. “Scratch that pint. I’ll have a nonalcoholic beer, whatever you’ve got.”
“Certainly, sir.” She spins on her heel and heads towards the long bar at the far end of the room.
“You not drinking either?” I straighten the cutlery on the table and unfold my napkin.
He smirks, leaning back in his chair while gazing into my eyes. “I want a clear head for later.”
His low, gravelly voice has my stomach clenching along with other parts of my body.
I shuffle in my seat again, feeling the heat there. “What’s happening later?” My lips press together, knowing exactly what’s happening later.You hope.
The server appears with our drinks. “Can I take your order?”